A Sacred House

Chapter XXXI: The Irish Dispute

Twenty-three years into Morgan's reign

I feel myself aging. I'm already Forty-four. I'm tired, I love my people, but I'm tired. " Your Royal Majesty?", A man asks as he shakes me. I open my eyes and wipe my eyes, Dylan stands in front of me.

" Yes Dylan?", I say after yawning, I fix my papers. " There is a man named Cormac Kelly, he has inspired the Irish Mayors to ask for their independence", Dylan informs me.

" Find this, Cormac Kelly, tell him and the Irish Mayors to meet me in Desmond Castle, hurry", I say firmly. Dylan bows and walks out. I've never had the Irish threaten to secede, they've always considered me their rightful King.

I stand up and fix my crown to my head. I chose to wear dark, olive green. A pain shoots through my leg, I wince in horror.

I grab my cane and limp down the hall and down the stairs. " Are you leaving?", Anna asks as she walks out of the lounge. " Yes, I'll be back in a week or two, trust me", I say after kissing Anna on the cheek.

" Please be safe Morgan", Anna says as I walk outside. " I love you", I yell as I climb into the carriage. " John, to Pembroke Dock", I say after smacking the roof.

I wish I could just step down, my family is constantly put at risk. I know I must endure, I made a promise. I refuse to break promises.

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" We're here sire", John says as he opens the door. I climb out, " Thank you John, keep my family safe", I say. John bows his head and climbs onto the carriage, he races off.

I walk onto the boat. " Your Royal Majesty", A lanky, old man says with a bow. " You must be Captain Frederick", I say after shaking Frederick's hand.

" I need to get to Desmond Castle, I'm in a hurry", I say. " The Royal Navy will carry you there", Frederick says with a smile.

The sails are lowered, we sail towards Desmond. " How long have you been in the Royal Navy?", I ask as Frederick takes the helm.

" Forty-five years sir, I once met your Father, he was an incredibly kind man", Frederick says. " Thank you for your service", I say smiling.

" Thank you for your service sir, I heard you are about to celebrate your Silver Jubilee", Frederick says. " Yes, I inherited the throne twenty-three years ago. It felt like I was twenty-one just yesterday. Time flies", I say as memories fly back.

" I have to write, get us there fast", I say as I walk downstairs. I walk into the cabin and sit down in a chair. I hope I can convince the Mayors, I hope.

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" We're here Your Royal Majesty", the guard says as he opens my carriage door. I had to be driven by a guard, the ride was bumpy. I step out and fix my crown to my head.

I limp into the castle. The Mayors and a pale man with red hair sit at a table. I slam my cane on the floor, they turn around and stand up. They quickly bow.

" Your Royal Majesty, my name is Cormac Kelly. Thank you for meeting with me", Cormac says as we all sit down.

" What do you want?", I ask. " Independence", Cormac says. " I am the rightful King of Ireland, my second father, Keegan, was the last O'Brien King. Why do you crave independence?", I ask firmly.

" We have been neglected for too long", an Irish Mayor says. " Me building your cities and castles and supporting you any which way, is neglect", I respond.

" We crave an Irish King", Cormac says confidently. I lift my hand, " This is the ring of the O'Brien Family, I am part of that family. I am the last honorary O'Brien, I promised I would rule this land with peace. And I have", I say as everyone stares at my ring.

" I have never brought wars to your shores, I have built your cities and castles. I have ruled this Isle for fifteen years. You will have to tear it from my cold, dead hands", I say firmly.

" We do not need independence. We need something in return", Cormac says. My eyes grow wide, " What is it?", I ask. " A diplomat, from Ireland, to hear our struggles", Cormac says.

" And this diplomat would be you", I ask with a smirk. " Yes sire, I know the struggles of my people. Just as you know the struggles of yours", Cormac says.

" My Father was a kind man, some saw him as hands off. I don't want that legacy, I'll see to your asking. And make you a Royal Diplomat", I say while shaking Cormac's hand.

" That's all I wanted sire", Cormac says nodding. I stand up and put out my hand with my ring on it. Cormac bows and kisses it. " Let us go", I say as Cormac and I walk outside.

" Thank you my liege", Cormac says as we climb into the carriage. " You're welcome", I say as I look out the carriage window. I stood my ground, Father and Keegan would have wanted me to.